- Detained Immigrant Protection Project - Internship, IL, USA

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), a program of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights, offers internships to law students and undergraduate students to work in a variety of its different legal services programs. The internships present an excellent opportunity to learn more about U.S. immigration law and policies while making a difference in the lives of low-income and impoverished individuals who are in need of legal representation.

NIJC has garnered a national reputation for providing quality legal services and advocacy for low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. NIJC’s trainings, publications, and technical assistance reach a diverse constituency of pro bono lawyers, non-profit community groups, policymakers, and government officials. NIJC’s office is located in downtown Chicago.

Conduct follow-up interviews with clients throughout the case preparation process;

Assist NIJC attorneys in preparing for hearings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review; and

Ensure copies of all relevant documentation are routed to the client’s case file.

NIJC seeks part-time interns for fall 2017 for the following programs:

Detained Immigrant Protection Project provides legal orientation and representation to detained immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and advances their legal and human rights through advocacy, litigation, and public education. (Proficiency in Spanish is generally required.)

Qualifications: Interns must have a passion for our issues and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized. Experience with Windows XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Database experience is very helpful. Oral comprehension and proficiency in both English and Spanish or French is generally required. Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.

To apply: Please email a resume, cover letter, a brief writing sample (3-5 pages on any topic and law students may choose to submit legal writings, 1-2 pages on any topic for Communications and Marketing internship), a transcript, and contact information for 2-3 references to NIJC's executive administrator (contact information below).

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, although we do encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Applicants interested in more than one project may specify the projects of interest in a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. No phone calls, please.

The National Immigrant Justice Center, an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, is strongly committed to diversity and welcomes applications of all races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, including people who have been previously incarcerated.